I was diagnosed years ago with these numbers
TSH 5.6
Ft4 12 (10-19.8)
Ft3 3.8 (3.5-6.5)
On 87,5+20
TSH 0.01
Ft4 17 (12-22)
Ft3 5.2 (3.5-6.5)
Am now taking 87.5 T4 and 10 T3
TSH 0.02
Ft4 18 (12-22)
Ft3 4.6 (3.5-6.5)
All 24h after last dose.
Do you think I can get my tsh in range and if so what would you change first?
At the start when only taking T4 50mcg
TSH 2.82
Ft4 13.5 (10-19.8)
87.5
Tsh 0.16
Ft4 18.4 (12-22)
Ft3 4.1 (3.1-6.8)
lisan1
Do you think I can get my tsh in range and if so what would you change first?
Unlikely when taking T3. Taking T3 lowers and often suppresses TSH, it's just what it does.
Why do you want to get TSH back in range? If FT4 and FT3 are in range there's no problem. If your doctor is scaremongering about osteoporosis and heart problems with suppressed TSH, that's when you have hypERthyroidism.
By the way, when testing we should take last dose of T3 8-12 hours before the test (splitting dose into 2 or 3 the day before the test), the 24 hour time gap is for Levo. By leaving 24 hours between last dose of T3 and test you have a false low FT3 result.
It's easier to get medication if I manage to get TSH in range. And if I don't feel any difference then I will try.The reason for 24h was because of Dr wanting TSH in range. How high do you think ft3 levels would have been on 12h?
It's easier to get medication if I manage to get TSH in range.
Not sure I understand what you mean by that.
If the doctor who is prescribing T3 doesn't know that it can suppress TSH then he doesn't know much about it and probably shouldn't be prescribing it.
The reason for 24h was because of Dr wanting TSH in range.
TSH is slow to respond, it could take many weeks or not even respond at all. There's no way you'll get TSH into range by leaving a 24 hour gap between taking T3 and testing, the only thing that will happen is your FT3 will be lower than normal, and as I said when taking T3 it will lower, and even suppress, TSH.
How high do you think ft3 levels would have been on 12h?
Impossible to say I'm afraid.
previous post 10 days ago
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
You were taking 87.5mcg Levo and 20mcg T3
You were advised by SeasideSusie to only reduce by 5mcg
Then wait 6 weeks and retest
Before reducing by a further 5mcg (if necessary)
So
A) you have reduced too much
B) retested far too soon
C) last 5mcg dose T3 should be 8-12 hours before test
Do you wear a fitness watch
Especially helpful if one records low heart rate at night
Likely to see significant drop in heart rate by halving your T3
Yes, I reduced by 5mcg and after a 9 days 5 more. The results are old ones.
Too quick…..but you might as well stay on 10mcg now
Retest in 6-8 weeks
Do you normally split your T3 as 5mcg doses
Day before test always split….last 5mcg at 9-10pm
Yes, I do. How many hours apart would you recommend?
I find I need 3 doses 8 hours apart
Others manage on 2 doses roughly 10-12 hours apart
What vitamin supplements are you taking
When were vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels last tested
Testing must be done after at least 6 weeks on a steady dose....have you done this?
For T4, test 24hrs after last dose
For T3 """ 12 hrs ""
TSH is not a reliable marker it fluctuates during the day and once exogenous hormone(s) is added the results become skewed.
T3 causes TSH to drop.
A result within the ref range does not mean you are correctly dosed!
It is the actual point within the range where you feel well/ no symptoms that is the aim.
Your FT3 is consistently low in range which indicates undermedication
Have you optimised vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin....all essential to support thyroid function / T4 to T3 conversion
Those nutrients are very likely low.
I was diagnosed years ago with these numbers
TSH 5.6
Ft4 12 (10-19.8)
Ft3 3.8 (3.5-6.5)
How much T4 was prescribed then( 50mcg?)
Were you then tested after 6 weeks followed by a dose increase?
Was this test/ increase repeated and to what dose?
When was T3 added and why?
On which dose did you feel best ( ignoring TSH !)?
Am now taking 87.5 T4 and 10 T3
TSH 0.02
Ft4 18 (12-22)
Ft3 4.6 (3.5-6.5)
All 24h after last dose.
After 24hrs your FT3 is likely a false low
The important question now is, "How do you feel?"
Your labs are possibly fine....
But your GP's knowledge of thyroid hormones is not!
Never alter dose based on TSH
Not sure what my tests are showing???
I have been summoned to see the local Endo at Addenbrooke's as I take T3!!!
Is fT4 too low?
